 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: toney
Date: 2004-04-06 06:13
I am wondering if anyone knows how the Royal Academy of Music in London would compare to say, Julliard or Curtis in the United States??
While there are many wonderful schools in the USA and UK, it seems that the Royal Academy is held in higher regard in London for some reason, such as a Juilliard or Curtis seem to be in the USA at times....
I have heard that they have a great woodwind faculty, however cannot find a review of the school itself, save for word of mouth that compares it to the above mentioned schools (or such places as the Paris Conservatory...).
I'm just hoping to get a better opinion from a more knowledgable place such as this board than what info I have found (or rather, not found) already. Any info on the school itself or how it compares from anyone who may know or attended the Royal Academy is appreciated and thanks!!
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-06 12:59
Hi there,
I'm a third year undergrad student at the RAM, studying with Angela Malsbury and Richard Addison.
Quite simply...the most nurturing musical environment I have ever come accross.
I auditioned and got accepted to all the major London schools (usually regarded as The Guildhall, Trinity, The Royal College and the RAM), one in Birmingham and one in Manchester. The choice was a sinch...you are correct that (for clarinet anyway) the RAM is held in higher esteem than most.
Guildhall had a wonderful faculty throughout the 90s and early naughties, due to the quality of their teaching staff (Julian and Joy Farrell, Thea King etc.) but the RAM has managed to draw the best in more recent years.
The Quality of teaching is exceptional and very diverse. Angela Malsbury (London Moart Players) Andrew Marriner (LSO) Time Lines and Nick Rodwell (both ex-LSO) Mark van de Wiel (London Sinfonietta and Philharmonia) just to name a few.
As far as a comparison to Julliard or Curtis...it's hard to say, but we have had a number of students reject Julliard to attend the Academy. Plenty also do undergrad at the Academy and post-grad at Julliard.
I have never been to Julliard...who knows?
Problems with the place? You can never find anywhere to practice...you have to stand in line for an hour!
Oh yeah...the exams are to hard! But hey, I would say that!
Danny.
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Author: clarinerd
Date: 2004-04-06 19:30
I think Juilliard and RAM may have some kind of exchange program actually. There is a horn player here who has been studying at RAM his senior year of undergrad, and he has just come back to Juilliard to play a recital and jury.
Have you heard about this RAMman? I'm not exactly sure how it works, but seems like you can get the best of both worlds this way!
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Author: Chedmanus
Date: 2004-04-06 20:17
I have been told that the RAM and Royal College are the top two for winds, and then Guildehall. All three have VERY good faculty rosters, what do the UK musicians think?
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-06 20:20
I think I know the player you're talking about...
I know we do exchanges...but they are financially crippling for most as our fees are much lower than most countries.
We have a joint concert coming up in a few months...members of the Julliard school and the RAM performing together with Sir Elton John!
Mad.
Danny.
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-06 20:25
Chedmanus,
The Royal College is a bit behind the times...the style taught there is more the old english (honky!) sound...but they have a HUGE faculty with some very good players.
Obviously I think the RAM is best...or I wouldn't have gone there...but I would defintely have gone to Guildhall before the the RCM.
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Author: toney
Date: 2004-04-07 01:15
This is all very good, thank you!!
If I may ask more information, how are the playing opportunities at the Royal Academy of Music?? I believe that there is more than one orchestra, and from what I have heard, there is a pretty significant opera program there that has just been started now as well?? How are the other ensembles such as chamber music and/or dance(if they have that or an equivalent....)
Again, any information is quite helpful, I mainly mentioned those three schools because I know that they encompass more than just music (ie, opera and/or dance) and have been compared to and mentioned in the same breath as each other. The Juilliard exchange program you mentioned was interesting as well, simpy for the fact that it leads me to believe these comparisons are not just heresay or someones opinion.......
Thanks again for the help and any more information on the above is greatly appreciated!!!
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2004-04-07 02:08
Do you know how much an international student would pay there?
And do you know a girl named Kate McDermott? I think she goes there... Red hair.
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Author: studioline
Date: 2004-04-07 11:16
toney,
There are several orchestras at the RAM. The Symphony orchestra, The Sinfonia, the Manson Ensemble(which concentrates with contemporary music), the wind band, the string orchestra, and the opera orchestra.There are also specially created orchestras for special events, tours, etc. Am I correct RAMman? There are many opportunities for chamber music both that are arranged specifically by the tutors, and also that are available to be created yourself- afterall you are surrounded by very talented, like muinded musicians- its the perfect opportunity. There is an extensive library of music which is a great source.
The opera course is not new. It is very good and very difficult to aquire a place (as it is for clarinet!). I'm no expert but a friend of mine is on the post graduate singing course at the RAM (not the opera course) who could give you furthur information regarding this particular aspect.
There is a music theatre course which includes dance, but as far as I'm aware no specific dance course.
http://www.ram.ac.uk/
Hope this helps...
studioline
www.stuarteminson.com
Post Edited (2004-04-07 11:20)
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-07 14:00
Almost correct studioline,
Wind Band was ditched before I arrived, to be replaced by symphonic wind which is smaller.
Also, there's a baroque dance course that all baroque specialists do.
Dan.
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